Seasonal Assistant, Conservation

National Audubon Society•Dayton, OH

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Seasonal Assistant, Conservation supports Aullwood Audubon’s conservation and operations work, including daily livestock care, habitat stewardship, and maintenance. Responsibilities include caring for farm animals; maintaining barns, pastures, fences, and agricultural facilities; conducting routine conservation and land-management activities; providing administrative support for conservation projects such as the Native Plant Sale; and assisting the Maintenance Department with snow and ice removal and other projects. The role works with the Conservation team to help keep Aullwood’s conservation areas safe, functional, and welcoming. This position is on-site at Aullwood Audubon, runs from November 15, 2026, through May 15, 2027, and is scheduled for 32 hours per week. Compensation is $19.00 per hour.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
High school diploma, GED, vocational training, or equivalent experience required.
Experience working with mammalian livestock required.
Ability to safely operate or learn to operate tractors, utility vehicles, mowers, snow blowers, and common hand and power tools.
Ability to work around livestock and in agricultural environments.
Knowledge of basic safety practices and ability to recognize and address hazards.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and the public, and maintain positive and effective working relationships.
Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, and special events.
Ability to regularly lift and maneuver up to 80 pounds, with or without accommodation.
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and traverse uneven terrain, with or without accommodation.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license; operating Audubon vehicles is required to perform essential functions.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

Nice To Haves

Experience with agriculture, landscaping, grounds maintenance, parks, conservation, or related outdoor work.
Experience using Microsoft Office and email applications.
Interest in conservation, sustainable agriculture, environmental education, or natural resource management.
Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments.

Responsibilities

Assist with twice-daily feeding, watering, and welfare checks of livestock.
Clean animal stalls, pens, feeders, waterers, and enclosures; replenish bedding and maintain sanitary conditions.
Help move animals between pastures and barns as directed.
Monitor animals for visible signs of illness, injury, or unusual behavior and report concerns to a supervisor.
Assist with inventorying feed, bedding, and other livestock supplies.
Support routine livestock management, including veterinary visits, hoof care appointments, and animal transport preparations.
Keep farm facilities, including barns and storage areas, clean and orderly.
Assist with habitat-management projects, including invasive species removal.
Help plant, water, and maintain native trees, shrubs, gardens, and restoration or enhancement areas.
Assist with pasture maintenance.
After training, operate equipment such as tractors, utility vehicles, zero-turn mowers, string trimmers, and snow blowers, as well as other power and hand tools, in accordance with Audubon safety procedures.
Assist staff with volunteer workdays and stewardship projects.
Interact professionally with visitors and answer general questions about Aullwood operations.
Support special events, educational programs, and seasonal activities through setup, operational assistance, and cleanup, primarily for Aullwood’s Native Plant Sale.
Promote a safe and welcoming environment for visitors, volunteers, and staff.
Follow Audubon safety policies and procedures.
Assist during emergencies, including severe weather response and animal-related emergencies.
Assist with daily water testing and/or Guest Services at the Farm when necessary.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.